An in-progress 242 mile pedestrian beltway around Phoenix

I LOVE Tears for Fears and love following Curt Smith on Twitter. Guess I'm not the only one.

Chris' Parents' Visit

Chris' parents, Steve and Rilla, visited us the last weekend in October. Chris took them to Taliesin West on Friday. Then later in the evening they treated us to a lovely dinner at House of Tricks. It was a hard dinner for me because I had just been laid off but couldn't talk about it without crying. I told Chris the sad news just before we went to dinner but decided to hold off telling his parents until I wouldn't burst into tears.

At dinner I drank more than I normally would and realized that I could easily drink a lot of alcohol to make myself feel better. This is the first time in my life I've felt this way about alcohol. I took note and will definitely be careful in the future.

On Saturday, I woke up at 3am and couldn't get back to sleep. Funny how anxiety affects how we sleep. I tossed and turned in bed then read for awhile. Eventually I got up and called my parents because I knew they'd be up early. I told them about losing my job and they offered their love, support, and advice. During that conversation, I realized that my biggest fear in this was of losing the house. I realized that this house represents independence and adulthood for me. It would be really, really hard on my ego to lose it. Talking with my parents was a good reminder that I am not what I do and I need to be careful not to get too wrapped up in my feelings about being unemployed. Making a living is important but it doesn't define me as a person. My parents are so giving and loving that they immediately offered their help because "that's what families do." I'm very lucky to have a family that can help.

Later in the day, Chris and I took his parents to the Heard Museum, which offers Native American artwork, pottery, books, textiles, and jewelry. It's a gorgeous museum and we thoroughly enjoyed the free tour with a docent. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I learned a lot about the Indians in this area and saw so many beautiful pieces of art. Lunch at the courtyard cafe was quite lovely too.

Saturday afternoon I was finally able to tell Chris' parents about being unemployed. I got through the explanation without crying which was the goal. Rilla and Steve were SO supportive. Just like my parents they told me they loved me and that everything would be OK. They also offered their help because that's what family does. I didn't cry, but at that moment I wanted to. Having both of our parents be so encouraging and supportive made me feel so, so lucky. It makes a tough situation so much easier.

Halloween
Saturday was Halloween and in my neighborhood it's tradition to sit outside with lawn chairs to give out candy. This year we hosted a cookout in the driveway and had a number of our neighbors over. The kids were SO cute and we all had a blast hanging out.

When it started to get dark, the men took the kids trick-or-treating while the ladies sat in the driveway and gave out candy. We didn't see as many kids as we've had in years past, but we managed to give away all the candy. (I only ate a little bit...promise!) It was a great night with our wonderful, wonderful neighbors.

Sunday, we had a slow morning around the house and spent a lot of time talking about jobs / the future. Steve offered great advice about coming up with a 5 year plan and thinking more long term. It's definitely helped Chris and I talk about the future and what we can do to get there. Thank goodness for parents and their wisdom!

We ended the lovely weekend with brunch at my favorite restaurant, Phoenix City Grille, which was as yummy as ever. Chris' parents left for the airport after we ate but not before they made sure we knew how much they loved us and how they'd help us through anything. At that moment, I could see the rays of light through the storm clouds.

View all the pictures from the weekend with Chris' parents.

Is this yours and do you want it?

A family email conversation which started with the subject line "Is this yours and do you want it?"

Dad: We're cleaning out the attic and I found this lamp, which I think has your name on the box. Is it yours? Do you want it? What would you like us to do with it if it is yours?

Karen: It's pretty ugly. did it maybe hang over Erica's old bathtub in Lucci house? I really am not sure I've seen it before...

Me: That is definitely my lamp. :) I think it's from a thrift store and I bought it when I was in college. Don't you guys remember it hanging in my living room in Lubbock? Dad, I'd love to have the lamp but I probably don't want to pay for shipping. Can you hold on to it a little longer?

Dad: Hold it a little longer??? I may have to charge for storage. Now that the attic is almost empty, I think I might have a spot for it. But when I'm gone, and you guys have to clean out what's left, I want you all to remember why it's still in the attic.

Me: Dad, I love you. And as soon as I have a new job, I'd be happy to pay rent for my old funky lamp. :) And I promise to get it out of your attic before you die! I've got a few years because you're going to live until you're 100, right?

Kristen: What are you going to do with that horrible lamp, Erica???? You're an adult now...it's time for nicer things!!! :)

Mom: You guys are so funny! We really enjoy you all!

Comments